Understanding Te Mātaiaho: The NZ Curriculum Refresh
At Tamaoho School, we are excited to share updates about Te Mātaiaho, the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. This new framework is designed to prepare learners for the future while honouring the unique cultural heritage of Aotearoa. This page provides parents and whaanau with key information to help you understand the changes and stay informed.
What is Te Mātaiaho?
Te Mātaiaho, meaning "the strands of learning" in Te Reo Maaori, weaves together knowledge, skills, values, and key competencies to create a holistic, learner-centred education system. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Mātaiaho fosters inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning for all ākonga (learners).
Phased Learning with Detailed Outcomes:
Te Mātaiaho organises learning into phases, ensuring a seamless and tailored progression for each learner.
Phase 1: Years 0–3
Phase 2: Years 4–6
Phase 3: Years 7–10
Each phase is guided by the Understand, Know, Do framework:
Understand: Focuses on the key concepts learners need to grasp in each subject area.
Know: Specifies the essential knowledge learners should acquire.
Do: Outlines the skills and processes learners should practise and apply.
Each phase contains detailed curriculum learning outcomes, specifying what learners should be taught at each year level. This provides a clear roadmap for teachers to deliver consistent and focused learning experiences, while recognising that learners develop at different rates.
Science of Learning:
Te Mātaiaho is underpinned by the science of learning, drawing on research about how children learn best. This ensures the curriculum:
Focuses on building strong foundations in early learning.
Emphasises mastery of important skills for learning
Encourages active engagement, creativity, and problem-solving.
Integrates practices that support memory retention, critical thinking, and the development of transferable skills.
Use an explicit teaching model approach to ensure ownership of learning
By embedding these principles, Te Mātaiaho supports learners in becoming confident, adaptable, and lifelong learners.
Localised Curriculum:
Schools design learning programmes that reflect their community’s identity, integrating local stories, whakapapa, and Maaori worldviews.
Key Competencies:
The curriculum highlights competencies essential for thriving in the 21st century. At Tamaoho School, we call these: GRIT, OWNERSHIP, CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION.
Connection to Aotearoa’s Histories:
Learning about Aotearoa New Zealand's histories is now a key focus, helping learners understand our shared past and its impact on our present and future.